Method and apparatus for repairing truck and trailer axles

ABSTRACT

An alignment apparatus for accurately aligning a replacement spindle with a pre-existing axle shaft to facilitate repairing a damaged axle assembly. The alignment apparatus may comprise an axle clamp assembly and a spindle clamp assembly. The axle clamp assembly may be mountable to an axle shaft. The axle clamp assembly may be self-centering and self-aligning. Similarly, the spindle clamp assembly may be mountable to a spindle. The spindle clamp assembly may be self-centering and self-aligning. The axle clamp assembly may be fixable to the spindle clamp assembly. By fixing the axle clamp assembly to the spindle clamp assembly, a desired alignment between the axle shaft and the spindle may be achieved.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/520,045 filed 5 Nov. 2021 which in turn claims priority from, and thebenefit of 35 USC 119 in relation to, U.S. application No. 63/117,136filed 23 Nov. 2020. All of the applications referred to in thisparagraph are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for repairingtruck and trailer axle assemblies and in particular to methods andapparatus for replacing a spindle end of a truck or trailer axleassembly.

BACKGROUND

A vehicle may comprise one or more axle assemblies upon which its wheelsare mounted. Each axle assembly may comprise an axle shaft and one ormore spindles that protrude from the transverse end(s) of the axleshaft. Wheels may be rotatably mounted to each spindle.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary, non-limiting schematic diagram of a prior artaxle assembly 10. Axle assembly 10 comprises an axle shaft 12, a firstspindle 14-1 and a second spindle 14-2 (generically referred to as aspindle 14 and collectively referred to as spindles 14).

In some cases, a brake flange (or brake spider) 16 may be attached toaxle shaft 12 to facilitate mounting one or more components of thevehicle's brakes.

A semi-trailer truck (also commonly referred to as a tractor-trailertruck) may comprise one or more drive axle assemblies on the tractorportion of the truck and one or more trailer axle assemblies on thetrailer portion of the truck.

Often, when a semi-trailer truck has a bearing or axle shaft failure orsometimes where a semi-trailer truck is in an accident, the weight ofthe truck/trailer can cause major damage to drive and/or trailer axleassemblies. In particular, it is common for one or more spindles of anaxle assembly to be damaged. While a damaged spindle can be repaired orreplaced using known techniques and tools, there remains a desire toreplace a damaged spindle without having to remove the axle assemblyfrom the truck. There remains a desire to accurately align a replacementspindle without having to remove the axle assembly from the truck. Thereremains a desire for a method and tools to allow a single person toreplace a damaged spindle quickly and conveniently. There remains adesire to replace damaged spindles at the location of the truck/trailerat the location where the failure happens or is otherwise observed.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations relatedthereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Otherlimitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill inthe art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described andillustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which aremeant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. Invarious embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems havebeen reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed toother improvements.

One aspect of the invention provides a vehicular axle alignmentapparatus for aligning a first axle component with a second axlecomponent. The alignment apparatus comprises an axle clamp assembly. Theaxle clamp assembly comprises an axle chuck body defining an axleopening for receiving the first axle component extending in a firstaxial direction therethough, an axle clamping mechanism comprising anaxle moveable element and three or more axle jaws. The three or moreaxle jaws are angularly spaced apart about an axle axis that extendsthrough a center of the axle opening in the first axial direction. Thethree or more axle jaws are moveably coupled to the axle moveableelement such that movement of the axle moveable element relative to theaxle chuck body causes corresponding movement of the three or more axlejaws relative to the axle chuck body in corresponding directions towardor away from the axle axis. The vehicular axle alignment apparatuscomprises a spindle clamp assembly. The spindle clamp assembly comprisesa spindle chuck body defining a spindle opening for receiving the secondaxle component extending in a second axial direction therethough and aspindle clamping mechanism comprising a spindle moveable element andthree or more spindle jaws. The three or more spindle jaws are angularlyspaced apart about a spindle axis that extends through a center of thespindle opening in the second axial direction. The three or more spindlejaws are moveably coupled to the spindle moveable element such thatmovement of the spindle moveable element relative to the spindle chuckbody causes corresponding movement of the three or more spindle jawsrelative to the spindle chuck body in corresponding directions toward oraway from the spindle axis. A plurality of alignment rods extend fromone of the axle clamp assembly and the spindle clamp assembly and arereleasably coupleable to the other one of the axle clamp assembly andthe spindle clamp assembly at corresponding locations spaced apart fromthe axle axis and the spindle axis such that when the alignment rods arecoupled at the corresponding locations, the axle axis and the spindleaxis are aligned to be coaxial along a common axis and the alignmentrods extend between the axle clamp assembly and the spindle clampassembly in directions parallel to the common axis.

In some embodiments, the first axle element is a portion of a vehicleaxle attached to a vehicle and the portion of the vehicle axle isextendible through the axle opening in the first axial direction whilethe vehicle axle is attached to the vehicle.

In some embodiments, an amount of the movement of each of the three ormore axle jaws in response to a given movement of the axle moveableelement is substantially equal. In some embodiments, an amount of themovement of each of the three or more spindle jaws in response to agiven movement of the spindle moveable element is substantially equal.

In some embodiments, the three or more axle jaws are moveably coupled tothe axle movable element, such that movement of the axle movable elementcauses corresponding movement of the three or more axle jaws incorresponding radial directions toward or away from the axle axis. Insome embodiments, the three or more spindle jaws are moveably coupled tothe spindle movable element, such that movement of the spindle movableelement causes corresponding movement of the three or more spindle jawsin corresponding radial directions toward or away from the spindle axis.In some embodiments, the three or more axle jaws are slidably receivedin corresponding axle jaw slots defined by the axle chuck body to allowmovement of the three or more axle jaws in corresponding radialdirections toward or away from the axle axis. In some embodiments, thethree or more spindle jaws are slidably received in correspondingspindle jaw slots defined by the spindle chuck body to allow movement ofthe three or more spindle jaws in corresponding radial directions towardor away from the spindle axis.

In some embodiments, one of the three or more axle jaws and thecorresponding axle jaw slots comprise first tracks for receivingcorresponding first rails of the other one of the three or more axlejaws and the corresponding axle jaw slots, wherein interaction of thefirst tracks with the first rails prevents movement of the three or moreaxle jaws in directions other than their corresponding radial directionstoward or away from the axle axis. In some embodiments, one of the threeor more spindle jaws and the corresponding spindle jaw slots comprisesecond tracks for receiving corresponding second rails of the other oneof the three or more spindle jaws and the corresponding spindle jawslots, wherein interaction of the second tracks with the second railsprevents movement of the three or more spindle jaws in directions otherthan their corresponding radial directions toward or away from thespindle axis.

In some embodiments, the three or more axle jaws are equally angularlyspaced apart about the axle axis. In some embodiments, the three or morespindle jaws are equally angularly spaced apart about the spindle axis.

In some embodiments, the axle moveable element comprises an axle ringdefining an axle spirally shaped clamping track, each of the three ormore axle jaws comprise one or more axle jaw teeth engaged with the axlespirally shaped clamping track and when the axle ring is pivoted aboutthe axle axis, interaction between the axle spirally shaped clampingtrack and the one or more axle jaw teeth of the three or more axle jawscause the movement of the three or more axle jaws in correspondingdirections toward or away from the axle axis.

In some embodiments, sufficient movement of the three or more axle jawsin corresponding directions toward the axle axis cause the three or moreaxle jaws to clamp the first axle component between the three or moreaxle jaws.

In some embodiments, the spindle moveable element comprises a spindlering defining a spindle spirally shaped clamping track, each of thethree or more spindle jaws comprise one or more spindle jaw teethengaged with the spindle spirally shaped clamping track, and when thespindle ring is pivoted about the spindle axis, interaction between thespindle spirally shaped clamping track and the one or more spindle jawteeth of the three or more spindle jaws cause the movement of the threeor more spindle jaws in corresponding directions toward or away from thespindle axis.

In some embodiments, sufficient movement of the three or more spindlejaws in corresponding directions toward the spindle axis cause the threeor more spindle jaws to clamp the second axle component between thethree or more spindle jaws.

In some embodiments, the movement of each of the three or more axle jawsin response to a given movement of the axle moveable element issubstantially simultaneous. In some embodiments, the movement of each ofthe three or more spindle jaws in response to a given movement of thespindle moveable element is substantially simultaneous.

In some embodiments, the axle chuck body is shaped to define three ormore apertures, through which the axle spirally shaped clamping track ofthe axle ring engages the one or more axle jaw teeth of the three ormore axle jaws. In some embodiments, the spindle chuck body is shaped todefine three or more apertures, through which the spindle spirallyshaped clamping track of the spindle ring engages the one or morespindle jaw teeth of the three or more spindle jaws.

In some embodiments, the releasable couplings between the plurality ofalignment rods and the other one of the axle clamp assembly and thespindle clamp assembly comprise coupling mechanisms that are convertiblebetween: a first coupled state where the axle axis and the spindle axisare maintained to be coaxial along the common axis, the alignment rodsextend between the axle clamp assembly and the spindle clamp assembly indirections parallel to the common axis and a distance between the axleclamp assembly and the spindle clamp assembly is adjustable in adirection parallel to the common axis; and a second coupled state wherethe axle axis and the spindle axis are maintained to be coaxial alongthe common axis, the alignment rods extend between the axle clampassembly and the spindle clamp assembly in directions parallel to thecommon axis and the distance between the axle clamp assembly and thespindle clamp assembly in the direction parallel to the common axis isfixed. In some embodiments, in the first coupled state, each of thealignment rods protrudes through a bore defined by a correspondingreceiver at one of the corresponding locations on the other one of theaxle clamp assembly and the spindle clamp assembly, the bore extendingin one of the directions parallel to the common axis. In someembodiments, in the second coupled state, a coupling element protrudesinto the bore of each receiver to bear against the alignment rod and tothereby prevent movement of the alignment rod through the bore in theone of the directions parallel to the common axis.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method for aligning a firstvehicular axle component with a second vehicular axle component. Themethod comprises clamping an axle clamp assembly to an outercircumferential surface of the first vehicular axle component using anaxle clamping mechanism comprising three or more axle jaws that arecaused by the axle clamping mechanism to apply substantiallysimultaneous and equal force against the first vehicular axle component,clamping a spindle clamp assembly to an outer circumferential surface ofthe second vehicular axle component using a spindle clamping mechanismcomprising three or more spindle jaws that are caused by the spindleclamping mechanism to apply substantially simultaneous and equal forceagainst the second vehicular axle component and releasably coupling theaxle clamp assembly to the spindle clamp assembly to thereby align thefirst vehicular axle component and the second vehicular axle componentwith one another along a common axis.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of using the vehicularaxle alignment apparatus. The method comprises inserting the first axlecomponent through the axle opening, moving the axle movable element tothereby cause the three or more axle jaws to move toward the axle axisand into contact with the first axle component, inserting the secondaxle component through the spindle opening, moving the spindle movableelement to thereby cause the three or more spindle jaws to move towardthe spindle axis and into contact with the second axle component, andcoupling the plurality of alignment rods to the other one of the axleclamp assembly and the spindle clamp assembly to thereby align the firstand second axle components along the common axis.

In some embodiments, after coupling the plurality of alignment rods tothe other one of the axle clamp assembly and the spindle clamp assembly,welding the first and second axle components to one another.

Another aspect of the invention provides a spindle alignment apparatusfor aligning a replacement spindle with a pre-existing axle. Theapparatus comprises an axle clamp assembly comprising: a first chuckbody defining a first opening for receiving an axle shaft; and a firstspiral clamping ring defining a first spiral clamping track. Theapparatus comprises three or more first jaws, each first jaw comprisingone or more first teeth engaged with the first spiral clamping track;and two or more alignment rods protruding from the axle clamp assembly;wherein interaction between the first spiral clamping track and the oneor more first teeth upon rotation of the first spiral clamping ringcauses radial direction movement of each of the three or more first jawsinto the first opening to clamp the axle shaft between the three or morefirst jaws. The apparatus comprises a spindle clamp assembly comprising:a second chuck body defining a second opening for receiving thereplacement spindle; a second spiral clamping ring defining a secondspiral clamping track. The apparatus comprises: three or more secondjaws, each second jaw comprising one or more second teeth engaged withthe second spiral clamping track; two or more receivers for slidablyreceiving the two or more alignment rods; and a set screw for clampingone of the two or more alignment rods within a corresponding one of thetwo or more receivers to prevent movement between the axle clampassembly and the spindle clamp assembly; wherein interaction between thesecond spiral clamping track and the one or more second teeth uponrotation of the second spiral clamping ring causes radial directionmovement of each of the three or more second jaws into the secondopening to clamp the replacement spindle between the three or moresecond jaws.

The two or more alignment rods may protrude from the first chuck body.

The two or more alignment rods may protrude from a first surface of thefirst chuck body orthogonally to the first surface of the first chuckbody.

The two or more alignment rods may protrude from a plate. The plate maybe attached to the first chuck body.

The three or more first jaws may be slidably received with correspondingfirst slots defined by the first chuck body to allow radial directionmotion of each of the three or more first jaws toward and away from thefirst opening.

The first jaws may each comprise first tracks for receiving first railsof the corresponding first slots, wherein interaction of the firsttracks with the first trails prevent non-radial direction movement ofthe first jaws.

Interaction between the first spiral clamping track and the one or morefirst teeth upon rotation of the first spiral clamping ring may causesimultaneous radial direction movement of each of the three or morefirst jaws into the first opening to clamp the axle shaft between thethree or more first jaws

Interaction between the first spiral clamping track and the one or morefirst teeth upon rotation of the first spiral clamping ring may causeequal magnitude radial direction movement of each of the three or morefirst jaws into the first opening to clamp the axle shaft between thethree or more first jaws.

Interaction between the second spiral clamping track and the one or moresecond teeth upon rotation of the second spiral clamping ring may causesimultaneous radial direction movement of each of the three or moresecond jaws into the second opening to clamp the replacement spindlebetween the three or more second jaws.

Interaction between the second spiral clamping track and the one or moresecond teeth upon rotation of the second spiral clamping ring may causeequal magnitude radial direction movement of each of the three or moresecond jaws into the second opening to clamp the replacement spindlebetween the three or more second jaws.

The first spiral clamping track may protrude into each of the three ormore first slots through corresponding first apertures defined by thefirst chuck body to allow the interaction between the first spiralclamping track and the one or more first teeth.

The second spiral clamping track may protrude into each of the three ormore second slots through corresponding second apertures defined by thesecond chuck body to allow the interaction between the second spiralclamping track and the one or more second teeth.

The first spiral clamping ring may be at least partially received withinan annular recess defined by a second side of the first chuck body.

The first spiral clamping ring may be held at least partially within anannular recess defined by a second side of the first chuck body by afirst plate. The two or more alignment rods may protrude from the firstplate and the first plate may be attached to the first chuck body.

The first spiral clamping ring may comprise a first handle to facilitaterotation of the first spiral clamping ring.

The spindle clamp assembly may comprise a second handle to facilitaterotation of the second spiral clamping ring. The second handle may bereleasably attachable to the second spiral clamping ring.

The three or more first jaws may be equidistantly circumferentiallyspaced apart around the first opening. The three or more second jaws maybe equidistantly circumferentially spaced apart around the secondopening.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method for aligning areplacement spindle with a pre-existing axle. The method comprises:clamping an axle clamp assembly to an outer circumferential surface of abrake flange of the pre-existing axle; clamping a spindle clamp assemblyto the replacement spindle; and releasably attaching the axle clampassembly to the spindle clamp assembly to thereby align the replacementspindle with the pre-existing axle.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method for employing thespindle alignment apparatus. The method comprises: inserting thepre-existing axle into the first opening; rotating the first spiralclamping ring to thereby cause the three or more first jaws to moveradially inwardly into contact with the pre-existing axle; inserting thereplacement spindle into the second opening; rotating the second spiralclamping ring to thereby cause the three or more second jaws to moveradially inwardly into contact with the replacement spindle; insertingthe two or more alignment rods of the axle clamp assembly into thecorresponding receivers of the spindle clamp assembly; sliding thespindle clamp assembly toward the axle clamp assembly until thereplacement spindle is aligned with the pre-existing axle; and clampingthe two or more alignment rods to the corresponding receivers to preventrelative movement between the replacement spindle and the pre-existingaxle.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to thedrawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of thedrawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosedherein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a prior art axle assembly.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an alignment apparatus according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a portion of an axle clamp assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is schematic plan view depiction of a chuck body according toone embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4B is a schematic plan viewdepiction of a slot according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of a spindle clamp assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a portion of an alignment apparatus beinginstalled on an axle and a replacement spindle according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an alignment apparatus installed on an axle toalign a replacement spindle according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8A is a schematic depiction of a damaged spindle. FIG. 8B is aschematic depiction of a replacement spindle according to one embodimentof the invention.

DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following description specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in theart. However, well known elements may not have been shown or describedin detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly,the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative,rather than a restrictive, sense.

One aspect of the invention provides an alignment apparatus foraccurately aligning a replacement spindle with an axle shaft tofacilitate repairing a damaged axle assembly. The alignment apparatusmay comprise an axle clamp assembly and a spindle clamp assembly. Theaxle clamp assembly may be mountable to an axle shaft. The axle clampassembly may be self-centering and self-aligning. Similarly, the spindleclamp assembly may be mountable to a spindle. The spindle clamp assemblymay be self-centering and self-aligning. The axle clamp assembly may befixable to the spindle clamp assembly. By mounting the axle clampassembly to the axle shaft, mounting the spindle clamp assembly to thespindle and fixing the axle clamp assembly to the spindle clampassembly, a desired alignment between the axle shaft and the spindle maybe achieved.

FIG. 2 depicts an alignment apparatus 100 for accurately aligning areplacement spindle with an axle shaft to facilitate repairing a damagedaxle assembly according to an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of theinvention. Alignment apparatus 100 comprises an axle clamp assembly 110and a spindle clamp assembly 130. For ease of description, alignmentapparatus 100 may be described relative to a notional axis 105 whichextends in the x-direction as shown in the drawings. Axis 105 may extendin the same directions as axle shaft 112.

Axle clamp assembly 110 is releasably clampable to an axle shaft 12.Axle clamp assembly comprises a chuck body 112, a spiral clamping ring114 (also referred to herein as an “axle moveable element”) and three ormore jaws 116 (e.g. first jaw 116-1, second jaw 116-2 and third jaw116-3) as shown in FIG. 3 . Together, spiral clamping ring 114 and jaws116 may be referred herein to as an “axle clamping mechanism”.

Chuck body 112 may have an annular shape that defines an opening 118(about axis 105) for receiving axle shaft 12. A first side 112A of chuckbody 112 may define three or more slots 120 (e.g. first slot 120-1,second slot 120-2 and third slot 120-3). A longitudinal axis of eachslot 120 may be aligned with a corresponding radial direction 6 (e.g. adirection pointing toward or away from axis 105 at the center of annularchuck body 112 as shown in FIG. 4 ). Slots 120 may be circumferentiallyspaced apart around opening 118 and axis 105. In some embodiments,adjacent slots 120 circumferentially spaced apart around opening 118 andaxis 105 at equidistant angular intervals. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, where there are three slots 120 as best seen inFIG. 4A, slots 120 may be spaced apart from one another about axis 105at angular increments of 120°.

Each slot 120 may correspond to (and may slidably receive) one of thethree or more jaws 116. Each slot 120 may comprise one or more rails120A, as shown schematically in FIG. 4B. In the illustrated embodiment,rails 120A are convex and extend in circumferential directions and in acorresponding radial direction 6. Rails 120A may be slidably receivablein complementary concave tracks 116A of jaws 116 (see FIG. 3 ) to allowjaws 116 to slidably translate in their corresponding radial directions6 when jaws 116 are received in their corresponding slots 120. Theinteraction between rails 120A and tracks 116A may allow for translationof jaws 116 in their corresponding radial directions 6 with respect tochuck body 112, while preventing or at least mitigating other undesiredrelative movement of jaws 116 with respect to chuck body 112. In someembodiments, jaws 116 may be provided with convex rails and slots 120may be provided with concave rails to permit similar radial motion ofjaws 116 with respect to chuck body 112 while mitigating other undesiredmovement of jaws 116 with respect to chuck body 112. In someembodiments, jaws 116 are otherwise slidably coupled to slots 120 tofacilitate this constrained movement.

Chuck body 112 may be shaped to define three or more apertures 112C, asshown in FIG. 4A. Each aperture 112C may pass through chuck body 112from first side 112A of chuck body 112 to a second side 112B of chuckbody 112—e.g. in the x-direction. Apertures 112C may be located in (e.g.in the bases of) slots 120.

Second side 1126 of chuck body 112 may define an annular-shaped recess112D (as shown in FIG. 4A) for receiving spiral clamping ring 114 (FIG.3 ). Inner and outer diameters of annular-shaped recess 112D may besized to match inner and outer diameters of spiral clamping ring 114. Anx-direction depth of annular recess 112D may be less than an x-directiondepth of spiral clamping ring 114, such that when spiral clamping ring114 is received in annular recess 112D, a portion 114A (shown in FIG. 2) of spiral clamping ring 114 may protrude out of annular recess 112D inthe x-direction.

Spiral clamping ring 114 may comprise a spiral track 114B shown best inFIG. 3 .

Grooves 114C of spiral track 114B may be shaped and sized to mate withteeth 116B (FIG. 3 ) of jaws 116.

When spiral clamping ring 114 is received within annular recess 112C, atleast a portion of spiral track 114 may protrude (in the x-direction)through each aperture 112C and into slots 120. As such, when jaws 116are positioned in slots 120 and spiral clamping ring 114 is received inannular recess 112C, grooves 114C of spiral track 1146 may mate withteeth 116B of jaws 116.

One or more handles 114D may extend (e.g. radially) from spiral clampingring 114 to help apply torque which will tend to rotate spiral clampingring 114 in circumferential directions about axis 105. Handle 114D maybe shaped and/or located such that when spiral clamping ring 114 isreceived in annular recess 112D, handle 114D does not interfere withrotation of spiral clamping ring 114 relative to chuck body 112. Forexample, handle 114D may extend from portion 114A of spiral clampingring 114.

Although not depicted in FIG. 3 , axle clamp assembly 110 may comprise aplurality of alignment rods 122. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , axleclamp assembly 110 may comprise three alignment rods 122. Alignment rods122 may protrude from chuck body 112 in the x-direction (i.e. parallelto axis 105). Some embodiments, this direction may be orthogonal (orsubstantially orthogonal) to first and second sides 112A, 1126 of chuckbody 112.

In some embodiments, alignment rods 122 are attached directly to chuckbody 112. In some embodiments, alignment rods 122 are secured to a plate124 that is in turn attached to chuck body 112, as shown in FIG. 6 . Forexample, plate 124 may be attached to chuck body 112 by one or morefasteners (e.g. bolts, threaded studs or the like with correspondingnuts) which may extend from alignment rods 122, through apertures 112Din chuck body 112 and through corresponding apertures (not expresslyenumerated) in plate 124. In some embodiments, spiral clamping ring 114is sandwiched between chuck body 112 and plate 124. In this way, plate124 may prevent spiral clamping ring 114 from undesirably moving in thex- (axial-) direction.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of a spindle clamp assembly 130 accordingto one exemplary non-limiting embodiment. Spindle clamp assembly 130 isreleasably clampable to a spindle 14. Spindle clamp assembly 130 issimilar in many respects to axle clamp assembly 110. For example,spindle clamp assembly 130 comprises a chuck body 132 similar to chuckbody 112, a spiral clamping ring 134 (also referred to herein as a“spindle moveable element”) similar to spiral clamp ring 114 and threeor more jaws 136 (e.g. first jaw 136-1, second jaw 136-2 and third jaw136-3) receivable in three or more corresponding slots 140 similar tojaws 116 and slots 120. Together, spiral clamping ring 134 and jaws 134may be referred herein to as a “spindle clamping mechanism”. For thesake of brevity, this description focuses primarily on the differencesbetween spindle clamp assembly 130 and axle clamp assembly 110.

Spindle clamp assembly 130 differs from axle clamp assembly 110 in thatchuck body 132 does not include alignment rods but instead comprises twoor more receivers 142 for receiving corresponding alignment rods 122from axle clamp assembly. For example, chuck body 132 may comprise threereceivers 142, as shown in FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, an interiorcavity 142A of each receiver 142 is complementary in size to an externaldiameter of a corresponding alignment rod 122. In some embodiments,compression sleeves 144 are provided to achieve a desired fit betweenreceivers 142 and their corresponding alignment rod 122. Compressionsleeve 144 may assist in achieving a desired fit between an alignmentrod 122 and a corresponding receiver 142 and may prevent damage to thealignment rod 122.

Receivers 142 may each comprise one or more set screws (not expresslyshown) which may project through aperture 142B into interior cavity142A. Such set screws may be employed to clamp an alignment rod 122 thathas been inserted into cavity 142A of receiver 142 in place. In someembodiments, such set screws may be employed to deform compressionsleeve 144 to thereby clamp an alignment rod 122 that has been insertedinto receiver 142 in place. Compression sleeve 144 may be slotted toprevent damage to compression sleeve 144 and/or alignment rod 122 whenalignment rod 122 is clamped by the set screws. In some embodiments,additional or alternative fastening mechanisms may be used to clampalignment rods 122 that have been received in receivers 142.

While alignment rods 122 and receivers 142 are shown as having circularcross-sections (e.g. in a cross-sectional plane that extends in the yand z-directions), it should be understood that this is not necessaryand each alignment rod 122 can have any cross-section that iscomplementary to a corresponding receiver 142 (or a compression sleeve144 insertable into a corresponding receiver 142).

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, alignment rods 122 maybe fastened to, or otherwise configured to extend from, spindle clampassembly 130 and axle clamp assembly 110 may be provided with suitablereceivers to receive and clamp to alignment rods 122.

Unlike spiral clamping ring 114, where a handle 114D may be integral orfixed to spiral clamping ring 114 (this is not mandatory), spiralclamping ring 134 may comprise a detachable handle 134D. Detachablehandle 134D may releasably attach to spiral clamping ring 134 using anysuitable hardware. Detaching handle 134D may facilitate avoidinginterference of handle 134D with alignment rods 122 when alignment rods122 are inserted into receivers 142.

In practice, when a spindle 14 is damaged, a damaged portion 15 ofspindle 14 (as shown in FIG. 8A) may be removed and replaced with areplacement spindle 14′ (as shown in FIG. 8B). Damaged portion 15 ofspindle 14 may be removed using a suitable cutting tool by cutting axleshaft 12 (e.g. by cutting at cut line 18) and removing a portion of theundamaged axle and the entire spindle 14. If only a portion of spindle14 is damaged (e.g. as depicted in FIG. 8 ), the damaged portion 15 ofspindle 14 may be cut off without cutting axle shaft 12 (e.g. by cuttingat cut line 18′). In either case (where axle shaft 12 is cut or wherespindle 14 is cut), it should be understood that the subsequent steps torepair or replace damaged portion 15 of spindle 14 are similar orsubstantially the same.

When axle clamp assembly 110 is assembled with jaws 116 arranged inslots 120 and spiral clamping ring 114 in annular recess 112C, rotationof spiral clamping ring 114 (e.g. by moving handle 114D about axis 105)causes movement of jaws 116 in their corresponding radial directions 6(relative to chuck body 112) due to the interaction between grooves 114Cof spiral track 114B with teeth 116B of jaws 116. For example, clockwiserotation of spiral clamping ring 114 about axis 105 may cause clampingsurface 116C of each jaw 116 to move inwardly in its corresponding axialdirection 6 toward opening 118 and/or toward axis 105, whilecounter-clockwise rotation of spiral clamping ring 114 about axis 105may cause clamping surface 116C of each jaw 116 to move outwardly in itscorresponding radial direction 6 away from opening 118 and/or away fromaxis 105. Since teeth 116B of each jaw 116 interact with spiral track114B in the same way and at the same time, such radial inward/outwardmovement of jaws 116 due to their interaction with spiral clamping ring114 causes substantially equal radial movement (e.g. substantially equalin magnitude and speed) of each jaw 116 relative to chuck body 112. Assuch, by inserting axle shaft 12 through opening 118 and rotating spiralclamping ring 114 (e.g. by moving handle 114D about axis 105), clampingsurfaces 116C of jaws 116 can be caused to contact axle shaft 12 therebyclamping axle clamp assembly 110 to axle shaft 12.

Axle clamp assembly 110 may be clamped to axle shaft 12 at any desirablelocation. In some embodiments, axle clamp assembly 110 is clamped toaxle shaft 12 at a location spaced apart (in the x-direction or thedirection of axis 105) from a brake flange (or brake spider) 16. In someembodiments, axle clamp assembly 110 is clamped to axle shaft 12 at alocation adjacent to a brake flange (or brake spider) 16 such that jaws116 abut against brake flange (or brake spider) 16, as shown in FIG. 7 .In some circumstances, axle clamp assembly 110 may be clamped directlyonto an outer circumferential surface 16A of a brake flange (or brakespider) 16.

Since jaws move radially inwardly/outwardly with substantially equalmagnitude and speed, axle shaft 12 is automatically centered withinopening 118 by the operation of axle clamp assembly 110 when jaws 116 ofaxle clamp assembly 110 clamp onto axle shaft 12 (or brake flange 16).Further, since clamping surface 116C of each jaw 116 is shaped to begenerally orthogonal to the radial direction of movement of that jaw 116(i.e. to have a normal vector that is generally parallel to radialdirection of movement of that jaw 116), chuck body 112 is automaticallyoriented orthogonally to the direction of elongation of axle shaft 12(e.g. the x-direction along axis 105) when jaws 116 of axle clampassembly 110 clamp onto axle shaft 12. Because of the automaticcentering of axle shaft 12 in opening 118 and the automatic orientationof chuck body 112 relative to axle shaft 12 caused by the mechanism ofaxle clamp assembly 110, additional measuring devices, alignment devicesand/or clamps are not required to achieve alignment of axle clampassembly 110 with axle 12 when axle clamp assembly 110 clamps onto axleshaft 12. This allows for easy, consistent and reliable alignment ofaxle clamp assembly 110 on axle 12.

Similarly, when spindle clamp assembly 130 is assembled, rotation ofspiral clamping ring 134 (e.g. by moving handle 134D about the axis ofspindle clamp assembly 130) causes radial direction movement of jaws 136(relative to chuck body 132) due to the interaction between grooves 134Cof spiral track 134B with teeth 136B of jaws 136. For example, clockwiserotation of spiral clamping ring 134 about the axis of spindle clampassembly 130 may cause clamping surfaces 136C of jaws 136 to moveradially inward toward opening 138 and/or toward the axis of spindleclamp assembly 130, while counter-clockwise rotation of spiral clampingring 134 about the axis of spindle clamp assembly 130 may cause clampingsurfaces 136C of jaws 136 to move radially outward away from opening 138and/or away from the axis of spindle clamp assembly 130. Since teeth136B of each jaw 136 interact with spiral track 134B in the same way andat the same time, such radial inward/outward movement of jaws 136 due tothe interaction with spiral clamping ring 134 causes substantially equalradial movement (e.g. substantially equal in magnitude and speed) ofeach jaw 136. As such, by inserting replacement spindle 14′ throughopening 138 and rotating spiral clamping ring 134 (e.g. by moving handle134D about the axis of spindle clamp assembly 130), clamping surfaces136C of jaws 136 can be caused to contact replacement spindle 14′thereby clamping spindle clamp assembly 130 to replacement spindle 14′.

Since jaws 136 move radially inwardly/outwardly with substantially equalmagnitude and speed, replacement spindle 14′ is automatically centeredwithin opening 138 when jaws 136 of spindle clamp assembly 130 clamponto replacement spindle 14′. Further, since clamping surface 136C ofeach jaw 136 is shaped to be generally orthogonal to the radialdirection of movement of that jaw 136 (i.e. to have a normal vector thatis generally parallel to radial direction of movement of that jaw 136),chuck body 132 is automatically oriented orthogonally to the directionof elongation of replacement spindle 14′ (e.g. the direction of the axisof spindle clamp assembly 130) when jaws 136 of spindle clamp assembly130 clamp onto replacement spindle 14′. Because of the automaticcentering of replacement spindle 14′ in opening 138 and the automaticorientation of chuck body 132 relative to replacement spindle 14′ causedby the mechanism of spindle clamp assembly 130, additional measuringdevices, alignment devices and/or clamps are not required to achievealignment of spindle clamp assembly 130 with replacement spindle 14′when spindle clamp assembly 130 clamps onto replacement spindle 14′.This allows for easy, consistent, reliable alignment of spindle clampassembly 130 with replacement spindle 14′.

Once axle clamp assembly 110 is clamped to axle shaft 12 and spindleclamp assembly 130 is clamped to replacement spindle 14′, alignment rods122 may be inserted into receivers 142, as shown in FIG. 1 . In someembodiments, handle 134D may be removed prior to insertion of alignmentrods 122 into receivers 142. Interaction between alignment rods 122 andreceivers 142 may prevent relative translational movement between axleshaft 12 and replacement spindle 14′ in the y and z-directions and/orrelative rotational movement about x, y and z direction axes—that isthere is only one remaining degree of freedom and that is in thex-direction (i.e. the direction of axis 105). When replacement spindle14′ is sufficiently close to cut line 18 of axle shaft 12, set screws142B may be tightened thereby also preventing relative movement betweenaxle shaft 12 and spindle 14 in the x-direction (i.e. the direction ofaxis 105).

With relative movement between axle shaft 12 and replacement spindle 14′prevented or generally limited, replacement spindle 14′ may be welded toaxle shaft 12 (e.g. at cut line 18 or 18′, as appropriate). In someembodiments, replacement spindle 14′ is only partially welded (e.g. spotwelded) to axle shaft 12 to prevent any relative movement between axleshaft 12 and spindle 14 if axle clamp assembly 110 and/or spindle clampassembly 130 is removed. Welding of spindle 14 to axle shaft 12 may thenbe finished after axle clamp assembly 110 and/or spindle clamp assembly130 is removed.

Interpretation of Terms

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the

-   -   “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an        inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense;        that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”;    -   “connected”, “coupled”, or any variant thereof, means any        connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two        or more elements; the coupling or connection between the        elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof;        elements which are integrally formed may be considered to be        connected or coupled;    -   “herein”, “above”, “below”, and words of similar import, when        used to describe this specification, shall refer to this        specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of        this specification;    -   “or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of        the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in        the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of        the items in the list;    -   the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” also include the meaning        of any appropriate plural forms.

Words that indicate directions such as “vertical”, “transverse”,“horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “backward”, “inward”,“outward”, “vertical”, “transverse”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”,“top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “under”, and the like, used in thisdescription and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on thespecific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. Thesubject matter described herein may assume various alternativeorientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictlydefined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

Although the operations of the method(s) herein are shown and describedin a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may bealtered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse orderor so that certain operation may be performed, at least in part,concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructionsor sub-operations of distinct operations may be in an intermittentand/or alternating manner.

Where a component (e.g. a cup, container, etc.) is referred to above,unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including areference to a “means”) should be interpreted as including asequivalents of that component any component which performs the functionof the described component (i.e. that is functionally equivalent),including components which are not structurally equivalent to thedisclosed structure which performs the function in the illustratedexemplary embodiments of the invention.

Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been describedherein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. Thetechnology provided herein can be applied to systems other than theexample systems described herein. Many alterations, modifications,additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practiceof this invention. This invention includes variations on describedembodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, includingvariations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts withequivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching offeatures, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combiningfeatures, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein withfeatures, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omittingcombining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.

Various features are described herein as being present in “someembodiments”. Such features are not mandatory and may not be present inall embodiments. Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any oneor any combination of two or more of such features. This is limited onlyto the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible withother ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible fora person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practicalembodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, thedescription that “some embodiments” possess feature A and “someembodiments” possess feature B should be interpreted as an expressindication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combinefeatures A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features Aand B are fundamentally incompatible).

The invention has a number of non-limiting aspects. Non-limiting aspectsof the invention include, without limitation.

-   -   1. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus for aligning a first        axle component with a second axle component, the alignment        apparatus comprising:        -   an axle clamp assembly comprising:            -   an axle chuck body defining an axle opening for                receiving the first axle component extending in a first                axial direction therethough;            -   an axle clamping mechanism comprising an axle moveable                element and three or more axle jaws,                -   the three or more axle jaws angularly spaced apart                    about an axle axis that extends through a center of                    the axle opening in the first axial direction;                -   the three or more axle jaws moveably coupled to the                    axle moveable element such that movement of the axle                    moveable element relative to the axle chuck body                    causes corresponding movement of the three or more                    axle jaws relative to the axle chuck body in                    corresponding directions toward or away from the                    axle axis;        -   a spindle clamp assembly comprising:            -   a spindle chuck body defining a spindle opening for                receiving the second axle component extending in a                second axial direction therethough;            -   a spindle clamping mechanism comprising a spindle                moveable element and three or more spindle jaws,                -   the three or more spindle jaws angularly spaced                    apart about a spindle axis that extends through a                    center of the spindle opening in the second axial                    direction;                -   the three or more spindle jaws moveably coupled to                    the spindle moveable element such that movement of                    the spindle moveable element relative to the spindle                    chuck body causes corresponding movement of the                    three or more spindle jaws relative to the spindle                    chuck body in corresponding directions toward or                    away from the spindle axis;        -   a plurality of alignment rods extending from one of the axle            clamp assembly and the spindle clamp assembly and releasably            coupleable to the other one of the axle clamp assembly and            the spindle clamp assembly at corresponding locations spaced            apart from the axle axis and the spindle axis such that when            the alignment rods are coupled at the corresponding            locations, the axle axis and the spindle axis are aligned to            be coaxial along a common axis and the alignment rods extend            between the axle clamp assembly and the spindle clamp            assembly in directions parallel to the common axis.    -   2. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 1,        wherein the first axle element is a portion of a vehicle axle        attached to a vehicle and the portion of the vehicle axle is        extendible through the axle opening in the first axial direction        while the vehicle axle is attached to the vehicle.    -   3. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 1        wherein an amount of the movement of each of the three or more        axle jaws in response to a given movement of the axle moveable        element is substantially equal.    -   4. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 3        wherein an amount of the movement of each of the three or more        spindle jaws in response to a given movement of the spindle        moveable element is substantially equal.    -   5. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 1        wherein the three or more axle jaws are moveably coupled to the        axle movable element, such that movement of the axle movable        element causes corresponding movement of the three or more axle        jaws in corresponding radial directions toward or away from the        axle axis.    -   6. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 5        wherein the three or more spindle jaws are moveably coupled to        the spindle movable element, such that movement of the spindle        movable element causes corresponding movement of the three or        more spindle jaws in corresponding radial directions toward or        away from the spindle axis.    -   7. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 6        wherein the three or more axle jaws are slidably received in        corresponding axle jaw slots defined by the axle chuck body to        allow movement of the three or more axle jaws in corresponding        radial directions toward or away from the axle axis.    -   8. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 7        wherein the three or more spindle jaws are slidably received in        corresponding spindle jaw slots defined by the spindle chuck        body to allow movement of the three or more spindle jaws in        corresponding radial directions toward or away from the spindle        axis.    -   9. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 8        wherein one of the three or more axle jaws and the corresponding        axle jaw slots comprise first tracks for receiving corresponding        first rails of the other one of the three or more axle jaws and        the corresponding axle jaw slots, wherein interaction of the        first tracks with the first rails prevents movement of the three        or more axle jaws in directions other than their corresponding        radial directions toward or away from the axle axis.    -   10. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 9        wherein one of the three or more spindle jaws and the        corresponding spindle jaw slots comprise second tracks for        receiving corresponding second rails of the other one of the        three or more spindle jaws and the corresponding spindle jaw        slots, wherein interaction of the second tracks with the second        rails prevents movement of the three or more spindle jaws in        directions other than their corresponding radial directions        toward or away from the spindle axis.    -   11. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 1        wherein the three or more axle jaws are equally angularly spaced        apart about the axle axis.    -   12. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 1        wherein the three or more spindle jaws are equally angularly        spaced apart about the spindle axis.    -   13. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 1        wherein:        -   the axle moveable element comprises an axle ring defining an            axle spirally shaped clamping track;        -   each of the three or more axle jaws comprise one or more            axle jaw teeth engaged with the axle spirally shaped            clamping track; and        -   when the axle ring is pivoted about the axle axis,            interaction between the axle spirally shaped clamping track            and the one or more axle jaw teeth of the three or more axle            jaws cause the movement of the three or more axle jaws in            corresponding directions toward or away from the axle axis.    -   14. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 13        wherein sufficient movement of the three or more axle jaws in        corresponding directions toward the axle axis cause the three or        more axle jaws to clamp the first axle component between the        three or more axle jaws.    -   15. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 13        wherein:        -   the spindle moveable element comprises a spindle ring            defining a spindle spirally shaped clamping track;        -   each of the three or more spindle jaws comprise one or more            spindle jaw teeth engaged with the spindle spirally shaped            clamping track; and        -   when the spindle ring is pivoted about the spindle axis,            interaction between the spindle spirally shaped clamping            track and the one or more spindle jaw teeth of the three or            more spindle jaws cause the movement of the three or more            spindle jaws in corresponding directions toward or away from            the spindle axis.    -   16. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 15        wherein sufficient movement of the three or more spindle jaws in        corresponding directions toward the spindle axis cause the three        or more spindle jaws to clamp the second axle component between        the three or more spindle jaws.    -   17. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 1        wherein the movement of each of the three or more axle jaws in        response to a given movement of the axle moveable element is        substantially simultaneous.    -   18. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 17        wherein the movement of each of the three or more spindle jaws        in response to a given movement of the spindle moveable element        is substantially simultaneous.    -   19. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 15        wherein the axle chuck body is shaped to define three or more        apertures, through which the axle spirally shaped clamping track        of the axle ring engages the one or more axle jaw teeth of the        three or more axle jaws.    -   20. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 19        wherein the spindle chuck body is shaped to define three or more        apertures, through which the spindle spirally shaped clamping        track of the spindle ring engages the one or more spindle jaw        teeth of the three or more spindle jaws.    -   21. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 1        wherein the releasable couplings between the plurality of        alignment rods and the other one of the axle clamp assembly and        the spindle clamp assembly comprise coupling mechanisms that are        convertible between:        -   a first coupled state where the axle axis and the spindle            axis are maintained to be coaxial along the common axis, the            alignment rods extend between the axle clamp assembly and            the spindle clamp assembly in directions parallel to the            common axis and a distance between the axle clamp assembly            and the spindle clamp assembly is adjustable in a direction            parallel to the common axis; and        -   a second coupled state where the axle axis and the spindle            axis are maintained to be coaxial along the common axis, the            alignment rods extend between the axle clamp assembly and            the spindle clamp assembly in directions parallel to the            common axis and the distance between the axle clamp assembly            and the spindle clamp assembly in the direction parallel to            the common axis is fixed.    -   22. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 21        wherein, in the first coupled state, each of the alignment rods        protrudes through a bore defined by a corresponding receiver at        one of the corresponding locations on the other one of the axle        clamp assembly and the spindle clamp assembly, the bore        extending in one of the directions parallel to the common axis.    -   23. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to aspect 22        wherein, in the second coupled state, a coupling element        protrudes into the bore of each receiver to bear against the        alignment rod and to thereby prevent movement of the alignment        rod through the bore in the one of the directions parallel to        the common axis.    -   24. A spindle alignment apparatus for aligning a replacement        spindle with a pre-existing axle, the spindle alignment        apparatus comprising:        -   an axle clamp assembly comprising:            -   a first chuck body defining a first opening for                receiving an axle shaft;            -   a first spiral clamping ring defining a first spiral                clamping track;        -   three or more first jaws, each first jaw comprising one or            more first teeth engaged with the first spiral clamping            track; and        -   two or more alignment rods protruding from the axle clamp            assembly;        -   wherein interaction between the first spiral clamping track            and the one or more first teeth upon rotation of the first            spiral clamping ring causes radial direction movement of            each of the three or more first jaws into the first opening            to clamp the axle shaft between the three or more first            jaws;        -   a spindle clamp assembly comprising:            -   a second chuck body defining a second opening for                receiving the replacement spindle;            -   a second spiral clamping ring defining a second spiral                clamping track;        -   three or more second jaws, each second jaw comprising one or            more second teeth engaged with the second spiral clamping            track;        -   two or more receivers for slidably receiving the two or more            alignment rods;        -   a set screw for clamping one of the two or more alignment            rods within a corresponding one of the two or more receivers            to prevent movement between the axle clamp assembly and the            spindle clamp assembly;        -   wherein interaction between the second spiral clamping track            and the one or more second teeth upon rotation of the second            spiral clamping ring causes radial direction movement of            each of the three or more second jaws into the second            opening to clamp the replacement spindle between the three            or more second jaws.    -   25. A method of using the vehicular axle alignment apparatus of        aspect 1, the method comprising:        -   inserting the first axle component through the axle opening;        -   moving the axle movable element to thereby cause the three            or more axle jaws to move toward the axle axis and into            contact with the first axle component;        -   inserting the second axle component through the spindle            opening;        -   moving the spindle movable element to thereby cause the            three or more spindle jaws to move toward the spindle axis            and into contact with the second axle component; and        -   coupling the plurality of alignment rods to the other one of            the axle clamp assembly and the spindle clamp assembly to            thereby align the first and second axle components along the            common axis.    -   26. A method for aligning a first vehicular axle component with        a second vehicular axle component, the method comprising:        -   clamping an axle clamp assembly to an outer circumferential            surface of the first vehicular axle component using an axle            clamping mechanism comprising three or more axle jaws that            are caused by the axle clamping mechanism to apply            substantially simultaneous and equal force against the first            vehicular axle component;        -   clamping a spindle clamp assembly to an outer            circumferential surface of the second vehicular axle            component using a spindle clamping mechanism comprising            three or more spindle jaws that are caused by the spindle            clamping mechanism to apply substantially simultaneous and            equal force against the second vehicular axle component; and        -   releasably coupling the axle clamp assembly to the spindle            clamp assembly to thereby align the first vehicular axle            component and the second vehicular axle component with one            another along a common axis.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussedabove, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is thereforeintended that the following appended claims and claims hereafterintroduced are interpreted to include all such modifications,permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are consistent with thebroadest interpretation of the specification as a whole.

1. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus for aligning a first axlecomponent with a second axle component, the alignment apparatuscomprising: an axle clamp assembly comprising: an axle chuck bodydefining an axle opening for receiving the first axle componentextending in a first axial direction therethough; an axle clampingmechanism comprising an axle moveable element and three or more axlejaws, the three or more axle jaws angularly spaced apart about an axleaxis that extends through a center of the axle opening in the firstaxial direction; the three or more axle jaws moveably coupled to theaxle moveable element such that movement of the axle moveable elementrelative to the axle chuck body causes corresponding movement of thethree or more axle jaws relative to the axle chuck body in correspondingdirections toward or away from the axle axis; a spindle clamp assemblycomprising: a spindle chuck body defining a spindle opening forreceiving the second axle component extending in a second axialdirection therethough; a spindle clamping mechanism comprising a spindlemoveable element and three or more spindle jaws, the three or morespindle jaws angularly spaced apart about a spindle axis that extendsthrough a center of the spindle opening in the second axial direction;the three or more spindle jaws moveably coupled to the spindle moveableelement such that movement of the spindle moveable element relative tothe spindle chuck body causes corresponding movement of the three ormore spindle jaws relative to the spindle chuck body in correspondingdirections toward or away from the spindle axis; a plurality ofalignment rods extending from one of the axle clamp assembly and thespindle clamp assembly and releasably coupleable to the other one of theaxle clamp assembly and the spindle clamp assembly at correspondinglocations spaced apart from the axle axis and the spindle axis such thatwhen the alignment rods are coupled at the corresponding locations, theaxle axis and the spindle axis are aligned to be coaxial along a commonaxis and the alignment rods extend between the axle clamp assembly andthe spindle clamp assembly in directions parallel to the common axis. 2.A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thefirst axle element is a portion of a vehicle axle attached to a vehicleand the portion of the vehicle axle is extendible through the axleopening in the first axial direction while the vehicle axle is attachedto the vehicle.
 3. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein an amount of the movement of each of the three or moreaxle jaws in response to a given movement of the axle moveable elementis substantially equal.
 4. A vehicular axle alignment apparatusaccording to claim 3 wherein an amount of the movement of each of thethree or more spindle jaws in response to a given movement of thespindle moveable element is substantially equal.
 5. A vehicular axlealignment apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the three or more axlejaws are moveably coupled to the axle movable element, such thatmovement of the axle movable element causes corresponding movement ofthe three or more axle jaws in corresponding radial directions toward oraway from the axle axis.
 6. A vehicular axle alignment apparatusaccording to claim 5 wherein the three or more spindle jaws are moveablycoupled to the spindle movable element, such that movement of thespindle movable element causes corresponding movement of the three ormore spindle jaws in corresponding radial directions toward or away fromthe spindle axis.
 7. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according toclaim 6 wherein the three or more axle jaws are slidably received incorresponding axle jaw slots defined by the axle chuck body to allowmovement of the three or more axle jaws in corresponding radialdirections toward or away from the axle axis.
 8. A vehicular axlealignment apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the three or morespindle jaws are slidably received in corresponding spindle jaw slotsdefined by the spindle chuck body to allow movement of the three or morespindle jaws in corresponding radial directions toward or away from thespindle axis.
 9. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to claim8 wherein one of the three or more axle jaws and the corresponding axlejaw slots comprise first tracks for receiving corresponding first railsof the other one of the three or more axle jaws and the correspondingaxle jaw slots, wherein interaction of the first tracks with the firstrails prevents movement of the three or more axle jaws in directionsother than their corresponding radial directions toward or away from theaxle axis.
 10. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according to claim 9wherein one of the three or more spindle jaws and the correspondingspindle jaw slots comprise second tracks for receiving correspondingsecond rails of the other one of the three or more spindle jaws and thecorresponding spindle jaw slots, wherein interaction of the secondtracks with the second rails prevents movement of the three or morespindle jaws in directions other than their corresponding radialdirections toward or away from the spindle axis.
 11. A vehicular axlealignment apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the three or more axlejaws are equally angularly spaced apart about the axle axis.
 12. Avehicular axle alignment apparatus according to claim 1 wherein thethree or more spindle jaws are equally angularly spaced apart about thespindle axis.
 13. A vehicular axle alignment apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein: the axle moveable element comprises an axle ringdefining an axle spirally shaped clamping track; each of the three ormore axle jaws comprise one or more axle jaw teeth engaged with the axlespirally shaped clamping track; and when the axle ring is pivoted aboutthe axle axis, interaction between the axle spirally shaped clampingtrack and the one or more axle jaw teeth of the three or more axle jawscause the movement of the three or more axle jaws in correspondingdirections toward or away from the axle axis.
 14. A vehicular axlealignment apparatus according to claim 13 wherein sufficient movement ofthe three or more axle jaws in corresponding directions toward the axleaxis cause the three or more axle jaws to clamp the first axle componentbetween the three or more axle jaws.
 15. A vehicular axle alignmentapparatus according to claim 13 wherein: the spindle moveable elementcomprises a spindle ring defining a spindle spirally shaped clampingtrack; each of the three or more spindle jaws comprise one or morespindle jaw teeth engaged with the spindle spirally shaped clampingtrack; and when the spindle ring is pivoted about the spindle axis,interaction between the spindle spirally shaped clamping track and theone or more spindle jaw teeth of the three or more spindle jaws causethe movement of the three or more spindle jaws in correspondingdirections toward or away from the spindle axis.
 16. A vehicular axlealignment apparatus according to claim 15 wherein sufficient movement ofthe three or more spindle jaws in corresponding directions toward thespindle axis cause the three or more spindle jaws to clamp the secondaxle component between the three or more spindle jaws.
 17. A vehicularaxle alignment apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the movement ofeach of the three or more axle jaws in response to a given movement ofthe axle moveable element is substantially simultaneous.
 18. A spindlealignment apparatus for aligning a replacement spindle with apre-existing axle, the spindle alignment apparatus comprising: an axleclamp assembly comprising: a first chuck body defining a first openingfor receiving an axle shaft; a first spiral clamping ring defining afirst spiral clamping track; three or more first jaws, each first jawcomprising one or more first teeth engaged with the first spiralclamping track; and two or more alignment rods protruding from the axleclamp assembly; wherein interaction between the first spiral clampingtrack and the one or more first teeth upon rotation of the first spiralclamping ring causes radial direction movement of each of the three ormore first jaws into the first opening to clamp the axle shaft betweenthe three or more first jaws; a spindle clamp assembly comprising: asecond chuck body defining a second opening for receiving thereplacement spindle; a second spiral clamping ring defining a secondspiral clamping track; three or more second jaws, each second jawcomprising one or more second teeth engaged with the second spiralclamping track; two or more receivers for slidably receiving the two ormore alignment rods; a set screw for clamping one of the two or morealignment rods within a corresponding one of the two or more receiversto prevent movement between the axle clamp assembly and the spindleclamp assembly; wherein interaction between the second spiral clampingtrack and the one or more second teeth upon rotation of the secondspiral clamping ring causes radial direction movement of each of thethree or more second jaws into the second opening to clamp thereplacement spindle between the three or more second jaws.
 19. A methodof using the vehicular axle alignment apparatus of claim 1, the methodcomprising: inserting the first axle component through the axle opening;moving the axle movable element to thereby cause the three or more axlejaws to move toward the axle axis and into contact with the first axlecomponent; inserting the second axle component through the spindleopening; moving the spindle movable element to thereby cause the threeor more spindle jaws to move toward the spindle axis and into contactwith the second axle component; and coupling the plurality of alignmentrods to the other one of the axle clamp assembly and the spindle clampassembly to thereby align the first and second axle components along thecommon axis.
 20. A method for aligning a first vehicular axle componentwith a second vehicular axle component, the method comprising: clampingan axle clamp assembly to an outer circumferential surface of the firstvehicular axle component using an axle clamping mechanism comprisingthree or more axle jaws that are caused by the axle clamping mechanismto apply substantially simultaneous and equal force against the firstvehicular axle component; clamping a spindle clamp assembly to an outercircumferential surface of the second vehicular axle component using aspindle clamping mechanism comprising three or more spindle jaws thatare caused by the spindle clamping mechanism to apply substantiallysimultaneous and equal force against the second vehicular axlecomponent; and releasably coupling the axle clamp assembly to thespindle clamp assembly to thereby align the first vehicular axlecomponent and the second vehicular axle component with one another alonga common axis.